Legal Definitions - reverse bear hug

A reverse bear hug is a tactic used in business when a company is being targeted for a takeover. It is a response to a bidder's offer by showing a willingness to negotiate but demanding a much higher price than that offered. This is usually done as an antitakeover tactic.

Company A wants to take over Company B. Company B responds with a reverse bear hug by saying they are willing to negotiate, but they demand a much higher price than what Company A offered. This makes it more difficult for Company A to acquire Company B.

Another example could be a company that is being targeted for a hostile takeover. The company could use a reverse bear hug by offering a price per share that is significantly higher than market value, making it difficult for the acquiring entity to continue with the takeover.

These examples illustrate how a reverse bear hug can be used as a defensive tactic to prevent a takeover or to negotiate a higher price for the company being targeted.